The animal known for being the fastest land animal is the cheetah. Cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 60–70 miles per hour (97–113 km/h) in short bursts covering distances up to 1,500 feet. Their incredible speed is adapted for chasing down prey in their natural habitats, primarily found in African savannas. Cheetahs possess unique adaptations, including a lightweight body, long legs, and a flexible spine, which allow them to sprint quickly. However, they can only maintain these high speeds for short durations before exhausting themselves, making strategic hunting crucial.